The Presidents discussed a range of important and urgent issues. Ukraine is counting on results regarding the matters raised: protecting lives of Ukrainians, a full and unconditional ceasefire, a reliable and lasting peace that will safeguard against a repeat of the war.

In the Vatican, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska attended a funeral Mass honoring the memory of Pope Francis.

This attack claimed the lives of 12 people. The memory of Ukrainians killed by Russia was also honored by Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, Minister of State for European Affairs of Ireland Thomas Byrne, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Sigitas Mitkus, 65 ambassadors of foreign states and international organizations, representatives of the Office of the President, and Government officials.

An unconditional ceasefire is needed. Real pressure on Russia is needed so that they accept either the American proposal to cease fire and move towards peace, or our proposal — whichever one can truly work and ensure a reliable, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire, and then — a dignified peace and security guarantees.

During First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska’s visit to the Republic of South Africa, which was shortened due to a Russian shelling of Ukraine on Thursday night, the first memorandum on cooperation and the establishment of a Center for Global Ukrainian Studies on the African continent was signed with Professor Francis Petersen, Principal of the University of Pretoria.

Ukraine cannot accept any agreements that contradict our values and Constitution. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during a conversation with media representatives in the Republic of South Africa.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Cyril Ramaphosa discussed the importance of uniting all global efforts and ensuring pressure on Russia in the interest of peace. Special attention was given to potential opportunities within the G20, which South Africa is chairing this year.